Japan vs West Germany — 1967 vs 1971
| Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) | 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 96 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 982 cc | 4,520 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 sec | 8.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,072 lbs | 3,505 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,200 mm | 2,460 mm |
| Length | 4,140 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,519 | 237,287 |
| Original MSRP | — | $17,660 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 3/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) excels in lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility, while the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL stands out for more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
Putting the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) against the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — Japan versus West Germany. The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL holds a clear advantage in raw power with 225 hp compared to 110 hp, a 115-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda Cosmo Sport uses a Twin-Rotor Wankel 10A displacing 982 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL relies on a V8 SOHC with 4,520 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL edges ahead at 8.8 seconds versus 10.2 seconds. The Mazda Cosmo Sport carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1433 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,519 units built, the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL's 237,287 examples. On the collector market, the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) commands a significant premium over the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S (L10A) rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.